Very interesting story. Amazing how one little thing brings it all together. Thanks!

There are a surprising number of military crash sites in Maine. I have been to a couple on snowmobile one is a B-52 on Elephant Mountain near Greenville (Moosehead Lake) and the other is a KC-97 near Newry. It is truly sobering to visit a crash site.

Blair that is a great story, thanks for posting it. I read that article in Hampshire Life and never made a connection to you. I got a big kick out of your brothers Haigis Hoopla T shirt, too funny. You have a great and patriotic family history, lets hope maybe you are the last member of your family to see combat duty.

Thank you so much for posting this information. My Uncle, 1st Lt. Jack Edwin McDannell was on that plane also. He was a bombardier, not quite 30 years old and newly married. He was my father's youngest sibling and while I never knew him, our entire family felt his loss. I know losing him tore at both my Grandparents hearts for the rest of their lives. Uncle Jack died just 3 days before my sister was born on Sept. 29. Until reading your account here, I never knew the full story and probable cause of this horrific accident that killed 13 fine young military men. Thank you again.

I thought I had posted to this back when, but I guess I didn't. I do remember reading it a couple times though. A very poignant story, one of family pride and sorrow as well as finally being able to provide closure for your Grams. Glad your brother was able to bring this about.

It is nice too that you posting this has led to ladytess_98's closure as well.

ladytess_98 wrote:Thank you so much for posting this information. My Uncle, 1st Lt. Jack Edwin McDannell was on that plane also. He was a bombardier, not quite 30 years old and newly married. He was my father's youngest sibling and while I never knew him, our entire family felt his loss. I know losing him tore at both my Grandparents hearts for the rest of their lives. Uncle Jack died just 3 days before my sister was born on Sept. 29. Until reading your account here, I never knew the full story and probable cause of this horrific accident that killed 13 fine young military men. Thank you again.

Thanks guys. Glad you enjoyed the story. God to see it brought back up.

ladytess...that's incredible that you uncle was also on this plane. I just pulled out the accident crash report and indeed there he is, Lt. Jack McDannell. Do you have a copy of this file? I'd be happy to send you one if you'd like. Send me a PM.

Somewhat ironic that this thread is a year and a half old and just recently brought back up. Fifi, the last flying B-29 Superfortress, landed yesterday at Lunken Airfield in Cincinnati for a five day exibit with several other vintage war planes. They are offering tours of the inside of the plane and for a mere $595.00 you can also get a ride in it. Wish I could make time to head over that way to take a look.

Blair, thanks for the original post and Lady Tess, thanks for bringing it back up.